Portable Changing Table

ABSTRACT

A rolling backpack can be opened to support a diaper changing surface and hung by a gripping device from an elevated surface, such as a door. The gripping device is supported by an extendable handle connected to the back of the backpack that can also be used to pull the backpack behind the user. A folding table for changing can be opened to support a diaper changing surface and hung by a gripping device from an elevated surface, such as a door. The gripping device is supported by an extendable handle connected to the back of the table. When the backpack or table is opened, the front can be extended by telescoping to support a changing surface supported by upward-extending straps connected to the gripping device. A removable folded changing surface is unfolded onto the front to support and secure a child for changing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parents of infants and toddlers wearing diapers need a changing surface,and when not in their home, may have to find one to use. A changingsurface helps to keep the child clean and prevent the child from rollingoff, if the child is elevated during the process. A backpack permits theparent to carry supplies, such as diapers, diaper cream, skin wipes, andclean clothes. A combination backpack and changing table and a portablecollapsible changing table each solves both needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A rolling backpack includes pack covering, and a frame inside thecovering to add strength and to safely support the weight of the child.There is a handle extending from the pack to help a person to pull therolling bag behind them that can be collapsed or otherwise stowed foruse of the backpack on a person's shoulders, or extended for supportingthe backpack for changing the child. The handle includes a grippingdevice such as a hook or clamp to hold the backpack securely on, forexample, the top of a door. The bag may open, to expose and support aremovable changing table surface, and hang to place the changing tablesurface above the ground to make it easier to change the child. Thebackpack has pockets inside and outside to hold baby products or othersupplies.

The front of the backpack can unzip from the rest of the backpack andfold down 90 degrees, either when hanging or when on backpack's wheelsand feet. The front can be extended, such as by unfolding ortelescoping, to support a larger changing surface. This exposes theremovable changing table surface to allow for a clean surface orchanging table to allow changing of a child or other types of activitiesduring which the child should be kept clean, such as when a child may beseated in a sitting position.

A portable foldable changing table includes table covers, and a frameinside the covering to add strength and to safely support the weight ofthe child. There is an extensible handle, with a gripping device, forsupporting the changing table for changing the child that can becollapsed for easy transportation and storage of the changing table. Thefront can be extended, such as by unfolding or telescoping, to support alarger changing surface. The changing table may open, to expose andsupport a removable changing table surface, and hang to place thechanging table surface above the ground to make it easier to change thechild. The changing table includes a pocket inside.

The front of the changing table or backpack can unfold from the backthereof and fold down 90 degrees, either when hanging or when on thechanging table's bottom surfaces. This exposes the removable changingsurface to allow for a clean surface to allow changing of a child orother types of activities during which the child should be kept clean,such as when a child may be seated in a sitting position. A structuresupports the front at or about a 90-degree angle in an open orientationto the back and/or handle to support the weight of the child on thechanging table surface. A locking hinge between the front and backframes or straps under tension supporting the weight can support thefront. Hinge may comprise one or more molded holes on each side thereofconnected by a hinge-pin, or a piano hinge, or a bendable fabricconnection. In a closed orientation, the front is substantially parallelto the back and/or handle.

The covers and coverings can be of any materials, such as fabrics,carbon fiber, metal, fiberglass, nylons, plastics, paper, organicmaterial, or hempen materials. A frame can be made of metal or plastics,fibers, or a combination thereof, e.g. nylon, aluminum, steel, andcarbon fiber. The frames may be fully or substantially rigid andresistant to deformation, and may include hollow or tubed sections so asto decrease weight without unreasonably decreasing rigidity. Tubed orhollow sections may be attached to molded sections to form handles,hinges or other connections. The handle can be made with any metal,carbon fiber, or fabric material. The handle can slide or unfold out thetop of the backpack or changing table and hang on any doors, such as abathroom stall, household door, car or truck door.

The changing surface for the changing table may lock onto the front ofthe backpack or changing table, or may be taken off the backpack orchanging table for cleaning, or independent use. The changing surfaceincludes safety belts to hold the child thereon during the changingprocess. The changing surface may be covered with one or more differentmaterials, such as easily cleanable, non-absorbent coverings. Thechanging surface may be padded, puffy, and/or entirely flat. As thechanging surface extends outward, away from the door or other surfaceand the rest of the backpack or changing table, a person may change thechild from any angle, front or rear or either side.

This application expressly incorporates by reference the entiredisclosure of U.S. Ser. No. 62/801,903.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1E are, respectively, a front view, left side view, bottomview, front right perspective view, and rear left perspective view (inan open state) of an embodiment of a combination backpack and changingtable, all in a backpack state.

FIGS. 2A & 2B are, respectively, a front view, and front rightperspective view, of an embodiment of a combination backpack andchanging table, all in a changing table state.

FIGS. 3A & 3B are, respectively, a left side view, and front rightperspective view, of a skeleton of an embodiment of a combinationbackpack and changing table, all in a changing table state.

FIGS. 4A & 4B are top perspective views of an embodiment of a removablechanging surface in an open state and a closed state.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a combination backpackand changing table in use, and FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portionof FIG. 5.

FIGS. 6A-6D are, respectively, a front view, left side view, top view,and front right perspective view of an embodiment of a folding changingtable.

FIGS. 7A & 7B are, respectively, a front view, and front rightperspective view, of an embodiment of an embodiment of a foldingchanging table.

FIGS. 8A & 8B are, respectively, a left side view, and front rightperspective view, of a skeleton of an embodiment of a folding changingtable.

FIGS. 9A-9C are front right perspective views of an embodiment of acombination backpack and changing table in differing steps of opening.

FIGS. 10A-10C are front right perspective views of an embodiment of afolding changing table in differing steps of opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to FIGS. 1A-1E, in an embodiment of a combination backpack andchanging table with the changing table in a stowed position, backpack 1includes front 5, back assembly 11, left and right sides 9, bottom 7 andtop assembly 6. Back assembly 11 includes back covering 12, left & rightshoulder straps 14, and back face 16. Top assembly 6 includes top flap 3hinged to back assembly 11, and front flap 4, hinged to top flap 3, andcarrying handle 15. Changing table 201 also includes left & right feet21 and left & right roller wheels 23 on the bottom of bottom 7. Changingtable 201 also includes closure 10 and zipper 8 between each of left &right side 9 and front 5, and closure 13 between front flap 4 and front5. Changing table 201 also includes zippered pockets 19 and open pockets17 on each of left & right side 9. Changing table 201 also includesskeleton 2, shown in FIGS. 2A-2B & 3A-3B.

In use, left & right shoulder straps 14 may be exposed by rolling upincludes back covering 12, or rolled down and secured by a closure (asshown in FIGS. 1B & 1C). In use, zipper 8 and closure 10 may be zippedto secure the left & right sides of front 5 on each side to side 9 andclose front 5, or unzipped to allow front 5 to drop to open and exposethe inside of backpack 1 (as shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B). In use, closure 13may be closed to secure front flap 4 and top flap 3 to front 5, oropened to permit front flap 4 to lift from front 5 and top flap 3 tolift from left & right side 9 to open and expose the inside of backpack1 (as shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B), including table support assembly 70,changing table assembly 80, and extendable handle assembly 30. In asecured state, extendable handle assembly 30 (shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B &3A & 3B) is in a collapsed state (as shown mutatis mutandis in FIGS.6A-6D for changing table 201).

Turning to FIGS. 2A & 2B, backpack 1 is shown with top assembly 6 andfront 5 both opened to expose the inside of backpack 1 and parts ofskeleton 2. And turning also to FIGS. 3A & 3B, the sides and backstructures are removed to expose skeleton 2. In this embodiment,skeleton 2 includes table support assembly 70, extendable handleassembly 30, back frame assembly 90, and bottom assembly 100. In thisembodiment, changing table assembly 80 is opened and supported by tablesupport assembly 70, which is partially supported by extendable handleassembly 30 and, on an opposing end, by bottom assembly 100.

Extendable handle assembly 30 includes handle assembly 40, connected onits left & right sides to telescoping tubes 33. Handle assembly 40includes pull handle 46, telescoping release 48, hook 41, and hookspring 42. Extendable handle assembly 30 also includes left & rightstrap attachment point 37 for left & right flexible support straps 74.Telescoping tubes 33 include lower tubes 32, middle tubes 34, and toptubes 36. Top tubes 36 are smallest and can telescope into middle tubes34, which can in turn telescope into lower tubes 32, which are largest(as shown mutatis mutandis in FIGS. 6A-6D for changing table 201). Asextended, as shown in FIGS. 3A & 3B, top tubes 36 connect to handleassembly 40, and are locked into position into middle tubes 34 whichare, in turn, locked into position in lower tubes 32. Lower tubes 32 arefixed into back frame assembly 90. Telescoping release 48 is a button tounlock top tubes 36 and middle tubes 34 to allow them to telescope intolower tubes 32. Hook spring 42 holds hook 41 in a down position (notshown) until upward force is applied (e.g. hook 41 is hung over a door,as shown in FIG. 5), where it locks in a horizontal position, as shownin FIG. 3A.

Back frame assembly 90 includes upper spreader 91 with holes 92 to fixthe upper ends of left & right lower tube 32, and lower spreader 93 withholes 94 to fix the lower ends of left & right lower tube 32. Holes 92and holes 94 are inward of the outer ends of upper spreader 91 and lowerspreader 93. Fixed left & right struts 96 connect the left & right outerend of upper spreader 91 to the respective left & right end of lowerspreader 93.

Back frame assembly 90 connects to bottom assembly 100 via curved ends101 of fixed struts 96. Curved ends 101 extend fixed struts 96 throughlower spreader 93 and curve from a vertical to a horizontal direction toform the bottom of backpack 1. Bottom assembly 100 left & right sidebracket supported from each curved ends 101.

Table support assembly 70 includes handle end 71, connected on its left& right sides to left & right distal telescoping tubes 72, which are inturn connected to respective left & right proximal telescoping tube 73.Handle end 71 includes telescoping release 75. Table support assembly 70also includes left & right flexible support straps 74. Distaltelescoping tubes 72 are smaller and can telescope into proximaltelescoping tubes 73 (as shown mutatis mutandis in FIGS. 6A-6D forchanging table 201). As extended, as shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B and 3A & 3B,distal telescoping tubes 72 connect to handle end 71 on its left & rightends and are locked into position into proximal telescoping tubes 73.Proximal telescoping tubes 73 are fixed at the left & right ends ofbracket 79 to form a collapsible open frame to support changing tableassembly 80. Bracket 79, in turn, is connected to hinge 78 whichconnects table support assembly 270 at left & right bracket 102 ofbottom assembly 100. Telescoping release 75 is a button to unlock distaltelescoping tubes 72 to allow them to telescope out of or into proximaltelescoping tubes 73. Proximal telescoping tubes 73 of table supportassembly 70 are fixed to front 5, so that lifting or lowering one doesthe same for the other. Left & right flexible support strap 74 eachconnect at their lower ends to each distal end 77 of proximaltelescoping tube 73 and at their upper ends to each of left & rightstrap attachment point 37 on extendable handle assembly 30. Each ofsupport strap 74 is sized to permit table support assembly 70 to extendto approximately a 90-degree angle from extendable handle assembly 30,to form a horizontal changing surface via changing table assembly 80when backpack 1 is hung from hook 41 or resting on feet 21 and wheels32.

Changing table assembly 80 includes flat distal pad 81 connected to flatproximal pad 82 by hinge 84. Referring also to FIGS. 4A & 4B, proximalpad 82 includes safety strap assembly 85, which includes straps 86 andbuckle 87 (which are not shown for clarity in FIGS. 2A & 2B). Distal pad81 also includes pocket 88 which is sized to hold supplies, such as skinwipes. Proximal pad 82 is removably fixed to bracket 79 of table supportassembly 70, and optionally to proximal telescoping tubes 73 and distalpad 81 is able to rotate on hinge 84 to sit on distal telescoping tubes72 and handle end 71, or to fold up along hinge 84 to sit on proximalpad 82 (as shown in FIG. 4B) and be secured by safety strap assembly 85.

As shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B, backpack 1 also includes interior finishing.These include bottom interior 54 and bottom supports 56 (to close offbottom assembly 100), back interior 52 which covers up back assembly 90but allows extendable handle assembly 30 to extend upward between backinterior 52 and back face 16, and several interior pockets 18.

Turning to FIGS. 5 & 5A, in one embodiment, backpack 1 is hung from anelevated structure, here with hook 41 placed over top edge 121 of door120. Back assembly 11 is supported by door face 122, and in turnsupports hinge 79 and bracket 78, which support table support assembly70. And left & right support strap 74 also support table supportassembly 70 from extendable handle assembly 30. Changing table assembly80 is supported by table support assembly 70. Child 124 (shown as apolygon model) is supported by changing table assembly 80, resting ondistal pad 81 and proximal pad 82, and secured by safety strap assembly85. In another embodiment, backpack 1 can be opened and used as shown inFIG. 2B, with feet 21 and wheels 32 and cover 5 resting on the ground orfloor.

Turning to FIGS. 9A-9C, unfolding backpack 1 to form a changing surface(shown in skeleton views as in FIG. 3B, and in reference to FIG. 2B),begins in FIG. 9A with table support assembly 70 folded down at hinge 78to lay flat, and preferably forming a 90-degree angle to extendablehandle assembly 30. Distal telescoping tubes 72 remain telescoped insideproximal telescoping tubes 73 and handle end 71 is near or flush to left& right distal end 77 of proximal telescoping tube 73. Changing tableassembly 80 remains attached to table support assembly 70 at proximalpad 82, with distal pad 81 folded thereon via hinge 84. Telescopingrelease 75 is pressed to unlock distal telescoping tubes 72 to extendoutward from proximal telescoping tubes 73, which is shown as fullyextended and locked in FIG. 9B. Changing table assembly 80, onceunbuckled, is unfolded at hinge 84 to open distal pad 81 and lay it flaton distal telescoping tubes 72 and handle end 71, as shown in FIG. 9C.

Another embodiment is a changing table 201, which provides a safe cleanchanging surface but without a backpack. Structures described forchanging table 201 follow the same reference numbering system(incremented by 200) if they operate the same; new items bear newnumbers.

In an embodiment of a folding changing table (shown in FIGS. 6A-6D withthe changing table in a stowed position, and in FIGS. 7A-7B in an openposition), changing table 201 includes skeleton 202 (also shown in FIGS.8A-8B), and table cover panels 276 and back cover panels 295. Skeleton202 includes table support assembly 270, changing table assembly 280,extendable handle assembly 230 and back frame assembly 290.

In use, pull handle 46 and handle end 271 may be pulled apart to permittable support assembly 270 and changing table assembly 280 to separatefrom back frame assembly 290 to open and expose the inside of changingtable 201 (as shown in FIGS. 7A & 7B). In a secured state (as shown inFIGS. 6A-6D), extendable handle assembly 230 is in a collapsed state.

Turning to FIGS. 7A & 7B, changing table 201 is shown in an open state,and turning also to FIGS. 8A & 8B, the sides and back structures areremoved to expose skeleton 202. In this embodiment, changing tableassembly 280 is opened and supported by table support assembly 270,which is partially supported by extendable handle assembly 230 and and,on an opposing end, by back assembly 290.

Extendable handle assembly 230 includes handle assembly 240, connectedon its left & right sides to telescoping tubes 233. Handle assembly 240includes pull handle 246, telescoping release 248, hook 241, and hookspring 242. Extendable handle assembly 230 also includes left & rightstrap attachment point 237 for left & right flexible support straps 274.Telescoping tubes 233 include lower tubes 232, middle tubes 234, and toptubes 236. Top tubes 236 are smallest and can telescope into middletubes 234, which can in turn telescope into lower tubes 232, which arelargest (as shown mutatis mutandis in FIGS. 6A-6D). As extended, asshown in FIGS. 8A & 8B, top tubes 236 connect to handle assembly 240,and are locked into position into middle tubes 234 which are, in turn,locked into position in lower tubes 232. Lower tubes 232 are fixed intoback frame assembly 290. Telescoping release 248 is a button to unlocktop tubes 236 and middle tubes 234 to allow them to telescope into lowertubes 232. Hook spring 242 holds hook 241 in a down position (not shown)until upward force is applied (e.g. hook 241 is hung over a door, asshown in FIG. 5 for backpack 1), where it locks in a horizontalposition, as shown in FIG. 8A.

Back frame assembly 290 includes upper spreader 291 with holes 292 tofix the upper ends of left & right lower tube 232, and lower spreader293 with holes 294 to fix the lower ends of left & right lower tube 232.Holes 292 and holes 294 are inward of the outer ends of upper spreader291 and lower spreader 293. Fixed left & right struts 296 connect theleft & right outer end of upper spreader 291 to the respective left &right end of lower spreader 93. Back cover panels 295 cover the rear andfront sides of back frame assembly 290, leaving top and bottom open forextendable handle assembly 230 and a connection to hinge 278.

Table support assembly 270 includes handle end 271, connected on itsleft & right sides to left & right distal telescoping tubes 272, whichare in turn connected to respective left & right proximal telescopingtube 273. Handle end 271 includes telescoping release 275. Table supportassembly 270 also includes left & right flexible support straps 274.Distal telescoping tubes 272 are smaller and can telescope into proximaltelescoping tubes 273 (as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D). As extended, as shownin FIGS. 6A & 6B and 7A & 7B, distal telescoping tubes 272 connect tohandle end 271 on its left & right ends, and are locked into positioninto proximal telescoping tubes 273. Proximal telescoping tubes 273 arefixed at the left & right ends of bracket 279 to form a collapsible openframe to support changing table assembly 280. Bracket 279, in turn, isconnected to hinge 278 which connects table support assembly 270 atlower spreader 293 of back assembly 90. Telescoping release 275 is abutton to unlock distal telescoping tubes 272 to allow them to telescopeout of or into proximal telescoping tubes 273. Proximal telescopingtubes 273 of table support assembly 270 are fixed to front and backtable cover panels 276. Left & right flexible support strap 274 eachconnect at their lower ends to each distal end 277 of proximaltelescoping tube 273 and at their upper ends to each of left & rightstrap attachment point 237 on extendable handle assembly 230. Each ofsupport strap 274 is sized to permit table support assembly 270 toextend to approximately a 90-degree angle from extendable handleassembly 230, to form a horizontal changing surface via changing tableassembly 280 when changing table 201 is hung from hook 241 or resting onfront cover panel 276 and table end 271.

Changing table assembly 280 includes flat distal pad 281 connected toflat proximal pad 282 by hinge 284. FIGS. 4A & 4B are incorporated fromthe backpack 1 embodiment to describe changing table assembly 280.Proximal pad 82 includes safety strap assembly 85, which includes straps86 and buckle 87 (which are not shown for clarity in FIGS. 6A & 2B).Distal pad 81 also includes pocket 88 which is sized to hold supplies,such as skin wipes. Proximal pad 82 is removably fixed to bracket 279 oftable support assembly 270 and optionally proximal telescoping tubes273, and distal pad 81 is able to rotate on hinge 84 to sit on distaltelescoping tubes 272 and handle end 271, or to fold up along hinge 84to sit on proximal pad 82 (as shown in FIG. 4B) and be secured by safetystrap assembly 85.

FIGS. 5 & 5A are incorporated from the backpack 1 embodiment. In oneembodiment, changing table 201 may be hung from an elevated structure inthe same manner as shows in FIGS. 5 & 5A.

Turning to FIGS. 10A-10C, unfolding changing table 201 to form achanging surface (in reference to FIG. 7B), begins in FIG. 10A withtable support assembly 270 folded down at hinge 278 to lay flat, andpreferably forming a 90-degree angle to extendable handle assembly 230.Distal telescoping tubes 272 remain telescoped inside proximaltelescoping tubes 273 (here, hidden within table cover panels 276) andhandle end 271 is near or flush to left & right distal end 277 ofproximal telescoping tube 273. Changing table assembly 280 remainsattached to table support assembly 270 at proximal pad 282, with distalpad 281 folded thereon via hinge 284. Telescoping release 275 is pressedto unlock distal telescoping tubes 272 to extend outward from proximaltelescoping tubes 273, which is shown as fully extended and locked inFIG. 10B. Changing table assembly 280, once unbuckled, is unfolded athinge 284 to open distal pad 281 and lay it flat on distal telescopingtubes 272 and handle end 271, as shown in FIG. 10C.

1. A portable changing system, comprising: a back section; asubstantially rigid front section; said front section rotatable betweena closed orientation and an open orientation; a hinge rotatablyconnecting the front section and the back section; and a front sectionsupport structure; said front section support structure supporting saidfront section at about a 90-degree angle to said back section in saidopen orientation; and a child-changing surface; the child-changingsurface attached to said front section.
 2. The portable changing systemof claim 1, said back section comprising a telescoping handle assembly;said telescoping handle assembly having a bottom end and a handle end;said bottom end attached to said back section and; said handle endcomprising a gripping structure.
 3. The portable changing system ofclaim 2, said gripping structure comprising a hook extendablesubstantially transverse to said telescoping handle assembly.
 4. Theportable changing system of claim 1, the front section support structurecomprising a set of flexible straps; said set of flexible strapsconnecting said back section to said front section.
 5. The portablechanging system of claim 1, said front section further comprising aproximal section attached to said back section; said proximal sectioncomprising at least one substantially rigid element; a distal section;said distal section comprising at least one substantially rigid element;and one of said at least one substantially rigid elements capable ofbeing reversibly telescoped relative to another of said at least onesubstantially rigid elements; said front section possessing a collapsedorientation and an extended orientation.
 6. The portable changing systemof claim 5, the front section support structure comprising a set offlexible straps; said set of flexible straps connecting said backsection to the proximal section.
 7. The portable changing system ofclaim 6, said back section comprising a telescoping handle assembly; andsaid set of flexible straps connecting the telescoping handle assemblyto said proximal section.
 8. The portable changing system of claim 1,said child-changing surface comprising a bottom section; a top section;and a hinged portion between the bottom section and top section; saidbottom section reversibly attached to said front section.
 9. Theportable changing system of claim 1, further comprising: a telescopinghandle assembly; wheels; and a set of shoulder straps.
 10. The portablechanging system of claim 1, said front section extendable outward fromsaid back section to a child-changing position; and said back sectioncomprising a telescoping handle assembly extendable to an extendedposition.
 11. The portable changing system of claim 10, said telescopinghandle assembly comprising a handle end; and the front section supportstructure comprising a set of flexible straps; said set of flexiblestraps connecting the handle end to said front section; and said set offlexible straps supporting said front section at about a 90-degree angleto said back section when said front section is in said openorientation.
 12. The portable changing system of claim 1, said frontsection further comprising a proximal section attached to said backsection; said proximal section comprising proximal rigid tubingconnected to said hinge; a distal section comprising a front handle; anddistal rigid tubing connected to said front handle; said proximal rigidtubing and distal rigid tubing forming a telescoping joint between saiddistal section and said proximal section.
 13. A method of using aportable changing system, comprising: rotating a substantially rigidfront section relative to a back section between a closed orientationand an open orientation about a hinge rotatably connecting the frontsection and the back section; a child-changing surface attached to saidfront section; and supporting said front section at about a 90-degreeangle to said back section in said open orientation; said supportingstep including operating a front section support structure.
 14. Themethod of using a portable changing system of claim 13, said supportingstep further comprising extending a telescoping handle assembly attachedto said back section; said telescoping handle assembly having a bottomend and a handle end; said bottom end attached to said back section and;said handle end comprising a gripping structure.
 15. The method of usinga portable changing system of 14, said gripping structure comprising ahook; and said supporting step further comprising fixing said hook overan elevated supporting structure.
 16. The method of using a portablechanging system of claim 13, the front section support structurecomprising a set of flexible straps; said operating step comprisingallowing said set of flexible straps to tension between said backsection and said front section.
 17. The method of using a portablechanging system of claim 13, said front section further comprising aproximal section attached to said back section; said proximal sectioncomprising at least one substantially rigid element; a distal section;said distal section comprising at least one substantially rigid element;and one of said at least one substantially rigid elements capable ofbeing reversibly telescoped relative to another of said at least onesubstantially rigid elements; and and said supporting step furthercomprising extending said distal section from a collapsed orientation toan extended orientation.
 18. The method of using a portable changingsystem of claim 13, further comprising extending a telescoping handleassembly; and pulling the portable changing system on a set of wheels.19. The method of using a portable changing system of claim 13, saidsupporting step further comprising extending said front sectionextendable outward from said back section to a child-changing position;and extending a telescoping handle assembly on said back section to anextended position.
 20. The method of using a portable changing system ofclaim 19, said telescoping handle assembly comprising a handle end; andthe front section support structure comprising a set of flexible straps;said set of flexible straps connected between the handle end and saidfront section; and the operating step comprising allowing said set offlexible straps to carry tension to support said front section at abouta 90-degree angle to said back section when said front section is insaid open orientation.